Ticktockers Class of 2018

By Lynda Millner   |   June 7, 2018
The 25 Ticktocker graduates for 2018 at their graduation fete

“Mothers and daughters serving communities together.” That is the mission of the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). Beginning in the 7th grade, moms and daughters get together and volunteer for charity work in their communities. Our local chapter recently held their Senior Recognition for the class of 2018 Ticktockers at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. By the time all of the relatives and friends arrived, the hotel was jam packed with more than 500 folks.

After a fun and noisy reception, the ballroom filled. In lieu of the difficult year Santa Barbara has endured, there were olive tree seedlings as a centerpiece for all the tables. They will be planted in impacted areas in our community. NCL wanted us to know that this small tree will help transform and heal. Olive trees symbolize serenity, peace, hope, and health. NCL wants to make a difference where they can.

Chapter president Rebecca Ingram welcomed and especially thanked co-chairs Kelly Hyatt and Allison Marcillac. Those 25 ticktockers being honored this night were: Elise Bevier, Kelly Bickett, Cadence Caesar, Olivia DiFilippo, Elena Dore, Hannah Echt, Natalie Fogg, Julia Forster, Sydney Hess, Clair Hyatt, Clare Kelly, Oakleigh Kimball, Paige Maho, Carolina Marcillac, Alexandria Marx, Lily McWhirter, Parker Pallad, Arin Pieramici, Amanda Roberts, Amanda Schwartz, Claire Velez, Charlotte Wall, Mia Waters, Kendall White, and Tiffany Yabsley.

The highlight of the evening is always the fashion show with all the junior and senior Ticktockers modeling. The class chose “Disco Fever” as their theme, so the music they modeled to was all written before they were born. No problem! They have a grand catwalk, and the girls learn the ropes in a hurry from Julie Walsmith. Julie and I go a long way back to our days at LaBelle Modeling Agency. She has the Ticktockers for six two-hour classes and then for all day of the event. 

Co-chairs Kelly Hyatt and Allison Marcillac on either side of Rebecca Ingram, president of the National Charity League
Senior Service Award winner Clare Kelly center with her parents, John and Michelle

Modeling is harder than they thought, but this is a two-sided affair. The girls also learn how to walk and present themselves with confidence. Fashions were courtesy of Allora by Laura, Angel Montecito, Ambience, Chasen, Diani, K.frank, Wendy Foster State Street, Wendy Foster Sportswear, Whiskey & Leather, and Whistle Club.

Clare Kelly was given the Senior Service Award for having the most volunteer hours in her class, a phenomenal 1,100 hours that she achieved in five years instead of the usual six. The class total was 7,716 hours. Clare spoke in a mature manner way beyond her years, reminding us, “We all have the same needs and together we are stronger.”

After each girl in a formal was introduced with a video, her parents met her at the end of the stage for a hug. Then it was time for the father/daughter dance, which was to “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw. Dinner ended this special occasion that made me wonder and as a mom brought to mind some words from Fiddler on the Roof. “Is this the little girl I carried? I don’t remember growing older. When did she? Wasn’t it just yesterday when she was small? Sunrise. Sunset. Swiftly fly the years. One season follows another, laiden with happiness and tears. What words of wisdom can I give her? How can I ease her way?” How quickly go the days, yet all the while you were making memories.

 

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